CP lauds RTC drivers for safety records

Deputy Transport Commissioner M. Prabhu Raj Kumar (second from right) explaining the features of the high security registration number plate to Police Commissioner B. Shivadhar Reddy at a programme in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

‘Of 412 accident deaths on city roads, only 29 involved RTC buses’

The low accident rate involving RTC buses despite their increasing number indicates the commitment of RTC drivers and the management to ensure road safety, Police Commissioner B. Shivadhar Reddy has said. Of the 412 accident deaths, which occurred on city roads, only 29 involved RTC buses.

The RTC drivers, however, shouldn’t become complacent and should strive to reduce the accident rate further, he said while complimenting them on their contribution to road safety.

Participating as chief guest in the valedictory of the 25 Road Safety Week, organised by the AP State Road Transport Corporation here on Saturday, the Police Commissioner commended the RTC drivers for acquiring the ‘safe driving’ cultureMr. Shivadhar Reddy expressed concern at the high rate of accidents occurring on the 73-km stretch of National Highway (NH-16), which passes through the city. The proliferation of engineering colleges and dhabas along the highway, and violation of traffic rules by motorists were responsible for the growth of accidents on the stretch. He launched a ‘High Security Registration Plates (HSRP)’ for motor vehicles in the city.

Deputy Transport Commissioner M. Prabhu Raj Kumar said the plates, being manufactured by M/s Link Autotech Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with the RTC, would have a host of security features like a hot stamped hologram, a laser branded ‘permanent identification number’ and alpha numerals hot stamped with black foil with the inscription ‘INDIA”.

The DTC said the new number plates had already been launched in Ranga Reddy district and the Twin Cities in December 2013. The fixing of the plates has to be done under the supervision of Transport officials.

Owners of existing vehicles would be given time till October 11, 2015 for switching to the new number plates.

B. Mohan Venkatram, a professor in the Institute of Transport Management of Andhra University, said .

‘driver fatigue’ was found to be one of the major causes for road accidents.

He appealed to drivers not to be behind the wheel for more than 7.15 hours as that would result in fatigue. Regional Manager Y. Jagadeesh Babu spoke about the efforts being made to provide specialised training to ‘Volvo’ drivers through the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Organisation and family counselling programmes. Awards were presented to the drivers of various depots for accident-free record.

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Workers carryingout repairs to Visakhapatnam District Collector's Office, as it was damaged in Cyclone Hudhud in 2014 October. The majestic heritage building was designed and built by Dutch engineering company Gannon Dunkerly in 1865 and completed by 1914. Photos: C.V. Subrahmanyam